Things to do in Florence

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Get Your Bearings in Florence

See & Do
Stay
Eat
Party
Shop

Things to See

Very few cities in the world have access to some of the attractions and art that Florence does, whether you decide to spend your time visiting the incredible architectural feat of the Duomo or visiting the never-ending halls of the Uffizi Gallery. There's something for everyone, from viewing famous works of art to enjoying nature at the Boboli Gardens.

Avoid: Arriving at attractions right at the lunch hour since that's when they're busiest.

Hot Tips: Check the hours for the attractions you're thinking about visiting Â-- sometimes they change with the seasons.

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Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay which is perfectly priced and located in a good neighborhood is actually quite easy in Florence. Just keep in mind whether you're traveling alone or if you need a more family-friendly hotel for friends or children; there are options to suit all needs and preferences. If you can afford the rate, try to choose a location that's close to all the main attractions.

Caution: Rooms are often small, so keep in mind that they might be crowded if there are more than two to a room.

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What to Eat

There's a reason Tuscan cuisine is so well-known and praised. Florence has some of the most delicious food you'll find in Italy. Whether you have an appetite for some homestyle food for the family or you're looking for something a bit more upscale for a date night, you're sure to find it somewhere within the city.

Avoid: Restaurants right by the main tourist sites, as they're often more expensive.

Be Sure to Sample: A pizza in one of the family-owned restaurants.

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Places to Party

Florence has a plethora of options for however you'd like to spend your evenings (or late nights). A large student population makes clubbing a popular way to spend a weekend, but there are also some wonderful locations for happy hour or aperitivo. The city is a great place to be if you're inclined to dance until the wee hours of the morning or just hang at the bar with some friends.

Hot Tips: Cabs offer reduced fares for women alone at night.

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Where to Shop

Florence offers some fantastic souvenirs for you to bring home to your family and friends, but the city also offers some world-class shopping for women and men. Think about taking a stroll down Via Tornabuoni; they have places, like Gucci and Versace, for those who like to dress their absolute best.

Best Local Souvenir: Search for some limoncello at the Mercato Centrale.

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Florence is known for...

Five of Florence's most unique features and characteristics.

1. Architecture:

Florence's architecture can only be seen here. The Duomo encompasses the city with its magnificent height and grandeur. The equally tall Campanile of the Duomo rings its bell throughout the day, one of the famous sounds of Florence. The buildings (palazzi) that still flourish in Florence are one of the many joys and studies of many visitors. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the only bridge that wasn't destroyed by the Nazi's in World War II. This type of architecture was born only in Florence. How did they get those frescoes on the ceiling? How did they shape that palazzo? So many questions on how this amazing city became and still remains one of the most ancient and glorious cities in Italy.

2. Art:

Art flows through each street and alleyway in Florence. Museums are filled with plenty of sculptures, paintings, drawings created by the famous artists of the Renaissance period. Michelangelo roams the halls of the Accademia and Uffizi with his most viewed works, like the David. Botticelli entices viewers with his Primavera and Da Vinci expresses his masterpieces in many places. The Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Accademia, Bargello promote the well-known pieces of art that thrives in the culture and the life of Florence.

3. Language:

Italian language was born in Florence. Although the Florentine dialect now is spoken in a completely different way than Italian. The standard Italian language has a poetic and literary origin, thanks to Dante. What became the first formalized Italian language was founded in the early 14th century by the writings of Tuscan writer Dante Alighieri, which he wrote in Florentine dialect. His epic poems known as the Divine Comedy, were read throughout Italy and his dialect became the standard Italian that all educated Italians could understand. Dante is still credited with creating the Italian language into the standard spoken Italian. Alas, the Florentine dialect became the basis of the official language of Italy.

4. Eating Pasta and Drinking Wine:

A warm plate of pappardelle alla lepre (jackrabbit) or pappardelle con ragù di cingiale (wild boar) are dishes you can only be served in and around Tuscany. These animals are hunted in the countryside surrounding Florence. As pasta can't be without a hearty glass of wine, Florence is filled with many different wines to taste, to buy and to drink all night long. Wine is most likely cheaper than water from where you come from. Wine here is easy to find, to buy and especially easy to drink amongst friends and family.

5. Fashion and Shopping:

Via Tornabuoni is the most expensive street in Florence. Why? There are fashions houses such as Prada, Gucci, Tiffany's, Tod's, Roberto Cavalli and many others. Shopping is never-ending in Florence with shoe shops, dress shops and leather shops. Leather is made in Florence especially and in the Santa Croce zone there are many shops to purchase your favorite leather piece.